Introducing MB&F HM4 KittyHawk unique creation
MB&F launches the HM3 Frog X 10th Anniversary Edition. Today, the tenth anniversary celebrations continue, but this time with the HM4, which also debuted in 2010 when the HM3 Frog was released. Ten years ago, MB&F shocked the watchmaking world with one of the most radical horological mechanisms ever created. We're talking about HM4 Thunderbolt. That same year, the aviation-inspired timepiece won the Best Concept and Design Watch award at the Grand Prix de la Horlogerie in Geneva; more recently, The New York Times cited the HM4 as one of the first to shape modern watch design in an article published last year. One of 10 timepieces.
The HM4 case transcends any standard definition and houses an engine that defies conventional watch movement construction.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, MB&F decided to transform its original HM4 prototype into a Pièce Unique called the HM4 “KittyHawk”. If you know something about aviation, the name KittyHawk will be familiar to you. The Curtiss P-40 was one of the most important Allied aircraft of World War II, produced from 1938 to 1944. Depending on the model, it had nicknames such as "Warhawk," "Tomahawk" and "Kitty Hawk." It was criticized for being mediocre on paper, but its combat record was surprisingly good. To this day, aviation experts still debate the merits and demerits of this aircraft. Regardless, it remains one of the most iconic aircraft of its time, especially those specimens rocking the characteristic "shark mouth" and eyes.
Like the "nose art" of those legendary World War II aircraft, this Pièce Unique watch features a hand-painted shark's mouth and eyes, as well as aged time and power reserve dials. The titanium case of the prototype from 10 years ago was first shaped according to the illustration, with several microns of metal carefully removed from the sides of the fuselage to meet the recessed painting.
It was then passed to the talented miniaturist Isabelle Villa, who meticulously painted the vicious teeth and angry eyes. A final coat of clear varnish is applied to protect the miniature, flush with the case.
